Arizona State Representative Quang Nguyen has introduced HB 2763, a bill aimed at adding new safeguards before the Arizona Game and Fish Commission can close certain state-owned shooting ranges near large cities. The proposed legislation would require legislative approval through a joint resolution, in addition to current procedures that involve public hearings, commission approval, and action by the Governor.
“Public shooting ranges that belong to the people of Arizona should not be shut down by administrative fiat or behind closed doors,” said Representative Nguyen. “If a statewide asset is going to be closed, that decision should be made in public, with full legislative approval.”
The measure is particularly focused on the Ben Avery Shooting Facility located in north Phoenix. Ben Avery is recognized as the largest publicly operated shooting facility in the United States and is considered one of Phoenix’s key Points of Pride. The facility provides firearm safety training, hunter education, competitive shooting events, and law enforcement qualification services for thousands of Arizonans each year. The range predates much of the surrounding development and has been managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department for many years.
“Ben Avery was built to promote safety,” Nguyen stated. “If this range were ever closed, shooting wouldn’t stop. It would be pushed into unregulated desert areas, creating serious public safety risks and environmental damage. That outcome helps no one.”
Representative Quang Nguyen serves Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County as a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives and chairs the House Judiciary Committee.
Carbone, also a Republican member of the Arizona State House since 2023 representing District 25, succeeded Michelle Udall.
